OYO, Nigeria – The Oyo State Government has demolished a building allegedly used by kidnappers to hold the sister of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, and her twin son’s captive, less than 48 hours after security operatives secured their release.
The demolition, carried out early Monday by the Ministry of Lands and Housing in collaboration with security agencies, followed intelligence reports linking the structure to the criminal gang responsible for the abduction.
Government officials said investigations conducted after the rescue operation identified the building as one of the locations where Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were allegedly held during their captivity.
The victims were abducted on June 3 along the Elewura area of Ring Road, Ibadan, while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school. The incident triggered widespread concern across Oyo State and renewed calls for stronger action against kidnapping networks operating in the region.
Security agencies later launched a coordinated rescue operation that led to the victims’ release. The operation, led by the Nigeria Police Force, also resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers and the arrest of several others linked to the crime.
Officials described the demolition as part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal infrastructure and prevent the building from being used for future criminal activities.
The action underscores the state government’s determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes while supporting ongoing investigations into the criminal network behind the abduction.
Authorities have pledged to continue working with security agencies to identify and prosecute all individuals connected to the kidnapping, while intensifying measures aimed at improving public safety across the state.
The rescue of the victims and subsequent demolition of the hideout represent a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb kidnapping activities in Oyo State.
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